New Bushfire Information and Firebreak Guide available
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has issued its annual Firebreak Notice and is urging all residents to do their part in keeping our community prepared this summer.
The Firebreak Notice is issued annually and requires landowners or occupiers to carry out fire prevention work and maintain firebreaks from 30 November 2025 to 12 May 2026, as authorised by the Bush Fires Act 1954.
Shire President Julia Jean-Rice said it was vital that everyone in Augusta Margaret River prepared their properties ahead of the bushfire season.
“The Firebreak Notice outlines the legal obligations for preparing your property, but more importantly, we all have a responsibility to protect our loved ones and the wider community by reducing fire risks around our homes,” said President Jean-Rice.
“Fire prevention work helps to stop fires from spreading, while firebreaks are essential on all applicable properties to ensure emergency vehicles have safe access.
“A fire can’t burn if it doesn’t have fuel. Ideally, you should maintain your gardens and reduce the amount of fuel close to your home to create an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) which acts as a safety barrier - making it harder for a bushfire to reach your home and reducing the risk from ember attack.
“At a minimum, every owner and occupier in every town and location across our Shire needs to reduce fire hazards by raking up leaves, cleaning gutters, mowing long grass, and where appropriate, you must install and maintain 3-metre firebreaks from 30 November 2025 to 12 May 2026.”
The Shire’s Bushfire Information and Firebreak Guide explains residents’ obligations under the Notice and provides practical advice on how to prepare your property, as well as outlining the rules for burning periods. The guide is available from the Shire office or can be downloaded from the Shire website.
Landowners with environmental or site-specific challenges can apply for a Firebreak Variation before 1 November 2025.
Shire Rangers will begin firebreak inspections from 1 December 2025 to ensure compliance throughout the fire season. For more information or to apply for a Variation, visit the Shire’s website or contact Ranger Services on (08) 9780 5695.